SOMERSWORTH, N.H. – Richard J. "Dick" Brunelle, age 83, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 16, 2016, at Brigham and Women's hospital with his family by his side.

Dick was born September 26, 1932, in Rochester, N.H., the son of Albert and Angelina (Boulanger) Brunelle. He was raised and lived in Somersworth for most of his life.

Dick was a U. S. Navy veteran serving during the Korean War.  After 4 years of active duty, he spent 30 additional years serving his country in the naval reserves.  He retired from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a Reactor Plant General Foreman after 30 years of dedicated service.  After retirement, he and his wife Roberta spent many winters in Cocoa Beach, Florida where they met many new special friends as part of the Cocoa Beach Club.  He was a member of the "Burger King 101 Club" in Somersworth where he met his friends for fun, laughter, and support.

Dick was an avid Portland Seadogs and Red Sox fan.  At the age of 68 he entered his first 5K road race, at the age of 71 achieved his goal of under 40 minutes (39:39), and continued to complete races annually until the age of 75.  He was a devoted husband to his wife Roberta, and a loving father to his children and grandchildren.  He spread joy, laughter, warmth and love to everyone he met.  He will be deeply missed.

Dick is survived by his wife of 61 years, Roberta Brunelle; son, Richard Jr., and his wife Erin; son, Ronald; daughter, Rhonda Bisson, and her husband Christian; grandchildren, Richard III, Heidi, Elizabeth, Matthew, Dylan, and Jeremy; and great grandchild, Mason.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be on Thursday, April 21, 2016, from 5 – 7 p.m., at Bernier Funeral Home, 49 South Street, Somersworth, N.H.  A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 22, 2016, at 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church in Somersworth. Care for the Brunelle family has been entrusted to the Bernier Funeral Home.